ELMBRIDGE is fast becoming a haven of “supersized” suburban mansions thanks to developers eager to make a fast and lucrative profit on prime real estate.

Research conducted by estate agent Savills showed the borough has undergone extensive redevelopment, as family homes are demolished to make way for enormous luxury pads catering exclusively for the mega-wealthy.

Elmbridge has increasingly made a name for itself as a ‘designer borough’ in recent years, with footballers such as Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole flocking to the area with glamorous wives, girlfriends and mistresses in tow.

In addition to this, Esher acquired the nickname “the Beverley Hills of England” after a tabloid article claimed it had the best quality of life anywhere in the country.

Crafty developers responded to the clamour for property in the borough – traditionally seen as ‘stockbroker belt’ territory – by purchasing properties and either replacing them with imposing mansions or squeezing several dwellings into the same plot of land.

“We are finding buyers of prime suburban property are doing so with the intention to redevelop,” said Richard Winter from Savills Esher.

In one year from summer 2006 to 2007, 49 planning applications were submitted to Elmbridge Borough Council to build suburban mansions in Oxshott and Stoke D’Abernon.

Almost two-thirds were approved which, according to a recent article published by The Telegraph, makes Oxshott the ‘top supersizing spot’ in England, followed closely by St George’s Hill and Esher.

On average, successful applications allowed for a house two-and-a-half times the size of the original property — turning a four-bedroom, 3,300sq ft house into an 8,500sq ft mansion. This can double or even triple its value.

Mr Winter added: “Through supersizing, these suburbs are becoming the domain of the high-ranking executives, who often are cashing in on a central London sale.”

David Smith, head of marketing at luxury development firm Octagon, said: “Even our ‘starter’ homes, which hover around £3m offering 4,000sq ft upwards of living space, will usually have a mini gym and cinema room, both infused with surround sound.”

Where money is no object, this new breed of properties can measure anything up to 12,500 sq ft and sell for £15m.

Other perks on offer in supersized mansions include indoor and outdoor pools, with steam room and sauna, a Jacuzzi, an all weather tennis court, staff accommodation, a servery and wine stores.

Another survey published last week confirmed Elmbridge’s long-held status as an economic stronghold.

Internet property website www.mouseprice.net revealed six of the 10 most expensive streets to live in the South East were situated in Weybridge.

South Ridge topped the rankings, with an average house price of £4.5 million — most properties boast pools and tennis courts and the area is surrounded by St George’s Hill golf course.

This was followed by areas including Ravenscroft Road, Abbotswood Drive and Granville Road. Kings Warren in Oxshott placed sixth in the list, with an average house price of more than £3.5 million.